At Coachella, every year is a brand-new adventure. The performers, the vendors, and the art installations are constantly changing, to say nothing of the vibes on the fairground. Coachella is like an ocean wave or a snowflake--you can have a general idea of what it’s going to look like, but it’ll never be exactly the same as the others.
One thing, however, remains tried and true: the Coachella characters. Ranging from the uptight FOMO Captain to the blissed-out Drifter, each of these characters will be sure to make an appearance on your festival journey. It just wouldn’t be Coachella without them.
Type #1: The Artiste
Identified by his longish hair and 70s band T-shirt (and probably a vest or a bowler hat, depending on how hot it is), The Artiste is an encyclopedia of knowledge on everything highbrow. Obsessed with only the most obscure artists, he’ll probably try to convince you to skip Janelle Monae to watch some Ukranian folk band at one of the smaller stages. Follow him at your own risk.
Type #2: The Prophet
Out in the real world, The Prophet is a relatively rare breed, but at Coachella, she’s everywhere. Bedecked in crystal necklaces that she insists have healing powers, she will find out your full astrology profile within minutes of meeting you. She’s prone to warning other festivalgoers if Mercury is about to go retrograde, and she says things like, “Don’t listen to him, he’s a Leo rising.”